1. Parables are
largely extended similes. They are somewhat like allegories, except
they are usually less complex and more flexible in meaning.

2. A parable
tries to portray an idea more clearly by using a common example, but
with an uncommon element.

3. They do not so much give a
clear answer as they give ideas to consider.

4. They were common in Jewish
literature. See, e.g., Judges 9:7-16.

B. Mark gives this
parable prominence by placing it near the beginning. Luke and
Matthew also have this parable, but more in the middle.

C.
The seed here is spread almost to the point of recklessness.

1. Ordinarily,
one would make a field right for planting (e.g., by pulling up rocks
and thorns). Here, the seed is spread and then the land responds.

2. The different types of soils
represent different responses to the word of God.

3. The parable
should not imply a deterministic conclusion that people's responses
are fixed. People can change fields, and especially God can do
so. E.g., Isaiah 51:3, Psalm 107:33 ff.

4. A good harvest
in those days would have produced fivefold fruit. The harvest
Jesus describes is extraordinary.

D. In this parable,
the types of ground are described, but the sower is not. It could
mean the Father, Jesus, the Church, or each believer.

E. The Gospels record
an explanation only of this parable. Jesus explained the other
parables to the Twelve, but the Gospels do not record this explanation.

1. The explanation is probably
given as an example of how to interpret parables.

2. Jesus explains
the parable to the Twelve, evidently planning for them to explain it
to others when they are ready.

3. By quoting
Isaiah, Jesus seems to be indicating that He wants the people to have
the parable now, but gain understanding only later when they are able
to accept it.

II. Parables of the Lamp,
the Seed and the Mustard Seed

A.
Parable of the lamp.

1. The kings
of Israel and God's word were often compared to lamps in the Old Testament.
See, e.g., 2 Sam. 21:17, 22:29; 1 Kings 15:4; Psalm 119:105, 132:17.

2. There is a
minor sandwich technique used here, with the outer sections on giving
light to others and the inner one on hearing the word carefully.

- The implication is that the two build
on each other

- This parable
indicates to the Twelve that they should not keep the knowledge Jesus
gives them.

3. The notion
of receiving measures and giving them reflects the fact that one will
receive understanding to the degree one is willing to share it.
Similar sayings in Matthew (7:2) and Luke (6:28) focus more on forgiveness
and generosity.

B.
Parable of the Seed

1. The emphasis
is on both the need for human effort and the mystery of God's providence.

2. The harvest
referred to could be either the individual coming to faith, a great
advance for the world, or Jesus' final return to earth. The
latter two meanings are reflected in the prophesies of Joel 3:13ff.

C.
Parable of the mustard seed.

1. The mustard
bush was not a particularly prized plant. Thus there is a bit
of humor here. There is a contrast with grand trees in Old Testament
prophesies that stood for kingdoms eventually to be cut down.
See Ezekiel 31:22ff.; Daniel 4:16ff.

2. This parable
is building on a promise that God would restore Israel by planting a
new tree after the old one was cut down. Ezekiel 17:22ff.